Kent Ceramics: New Frontiers
by Christopher St. John Breen
In recent years the Society has funded a series of ARCHAEOLOGY AT WORK and POTTERY meetings, attended by hundreds of members. The latest, the third POTTERY WORKSHOP was held in March 1986, at the Research Centre of the Dartford District Archaeological Group.
A general view over the excavations looking south in which the corridor of the building can be seen in the centre of the picture.
Marion Green of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust gave a talk on a special study (by Valery Rigby of the B.M.) of fine wares, with a date range 1-50 AD, found during recent excavations in Canterbury. Christopher Breen spoke of the D.D.A.G's ceramic study project, methods, etc., followed by two talks from Beth Richardson and Barbara Davis of the Dept. of Urban Archaeology, London Museum on Kent-made ceramics found and recorded from City sites. During the morning session, discussion and viewing of the displayed pottery also took place.
The 3rd. Romano-British Pottery Workshop was held in the Research Centre of D.D.A.G. and attracted some of the most prominent speakers on the subject.
The afternoon session began with an informative talk on decorated samian ware given by Guy de la Bedoyere, followed by a talk on the products of the Mucking Kilns by Rosemary Arscott. The last speaker was Christopher Going who outlined the history of the Much Hadham industry.
During the morning session, further displays of many recently excavated ceramics were mounted by Val Satterwaite of the O.D.A.S., Keith Parfitt of the Dover and John Pyke of the Otford Groups. Christopher Breen gave a brief summing up talk and the meeting closed at 5.30 p.m.
These meetings continue to act as an ideal forum to provide recognition keys as a spur to speed up research on ceramic material in the county.
